A winning lottery ticket is claimable only until the deadline set by the state or jurisdiction where it was bought. In the United States, claim periods commonly run from 90 days to one year, but the exact deadline depends on the game and location.
Lottery Ticket Expiration at a Glance
| Ticket Type | When the Claim Period Usually Starts | What Determines the Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Draw-game ticket | The drawing date | State lottery rules |
| Scratch-off ticket | The announced end-of-game date | The rules for that game |
| Powerball or Mega Millions ticket | The drawing date | The state where the ticket was purchased |
| Non-winning ticket | No prize claim deadline | It has no cash value unless it qualifies for a promotion or second-chance draw |
How Long Do You Have to Claim a Winning Lottery Ticket?
The deadline varies by state and game. The expiration date is often printed on the back of the ticket. If it is not, check the official lottery website for the state where you bought it.
Examples include:
- California: Most draw-game prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the winning draw. California Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot tickets have a one-year claim period. Scratchers prizes generally must be claimed within 180 days of the announced end-of-game date.
- New York: Draw-game prizes must be claimed within one year of the drawing. Scratch-off prizes must be claimed within one year of the announced end-of-game date.
These examples do not apply nationwide. Your state may use a different deadline.
Do Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets Expire?
Yes. Scratch-off lottery tickets expire on the game's announced end-of-game date, not necessarily on the date you bought the ticket. A ticket purchased shortly before the game ends may still become ineligible after that date.
Check the official lottery's list of ended games or the instructions printed on the ticket.
Where Do You Claim a Lottery Ticket?
A winning Powerball, Mega Millions or state lottery ticket generally must be claimed in the state or jurisdiction where it was purchased. A ticket bought in one state usually cannot be paid by another state's lottery.
Authorized retailers may pay smaller prizes. Larger prizes usually require a lottery office, claim center or mail-in claim.
What Should You Do If You Find an Old Lottery Ticket?
- Check the numbers and game results on the official state lottery website.
- Look at the back of the ticket for an expiration date.
- Review the state lottery's claim rules for that game.
- Keep the original ticket in good condition.
- Claim the prize before the deadline.
If the claim period has passed, the lottery may be unable to pay the prize. Unclaimed prize money is handled according to the jurisdiction's laws.